Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Suikoden V builds on the series’ hallmarks—recruiting all 108 Stars of Destiny, managing an expanding castle, and wielding True Runes—while introducing new layers of tactical depth. You’ll spend a significant portion of your time exploring Falena’s towns and countryside, meeting potential allies whose stories range from comical to deeply tragic. Each recruit feels distinct, and the process of convincing them to join your cause creates a real sense of investment in the larger narrative.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Combat is divided between one-on-one duels, standard six-character battles, and large-scale army engagements. Duels are timed exchanges that require quick decision-making when choosing attack types, while standard encounters leverage party formation bonuses and combo attacks. With formations granting stat boosts and linked characters executing powerful tandem moves, party composition becomes a meaningful tactical decision rather than mere roster shuffling.

The large-scale battles eschew turn-based strategy in favor of real-time RTS mechanics. You command units—infantry, cavalry, and ranged—across land and sea maps in a rock-paper-scissors balance. Capturing strategic points, timing flanking maneuvers, and knowing which unit to deploy against your enemy’s composition rewards careful planning. Although the system can feel overwhelming at first, it offers satisfying variety once you grow accustomed to managing multiple fronts simultaneously.

Character growth relies on the return of the skill grid from Suikoden III, allowing you to customize passive abilities that enhance stats or unlock new AI behaviors. Combined with rune magic—where each True Rune grants unique spells but limited uses per battle—this system encourages thoughtful allocation of resources. You’ll juggle equipping runes, assigning skills, and distributing items to strike the right balance between offense, defense, and support roles.

Graphics

Suikoden V employs beautifully hand-drawn backgrounds and richly detailed character sprites that evoke a painterly charm. From the burned-out wastelands of Lordlake to the lush valleys surrounding the capital, each locale establishes its unique mood through color palettes and environmental details. The world map, though rendered in 3D, maintains the series’ iconic storybook aesthetic.

In-battle animations are fluid and expressive. Standard fights feature clear character portraits and spell effects that pop against dark backdrops, while duels showcase dynamic camera angles and close-up art that capture the drama of one-on-one confrontations. The large-scale maps also use a simple 3D engine that, while modest by modern standards, clearly distinguishes unit types and terrain features.

Menus and UI are cleanly designed, with rune icons and skill trees presented in a way that’s both functional and thematically appropriate. Load times are generally brief, and frame rate dips are rare on the original PlayStation 2 hardware. Overall, the visual presentation strikes a fine balance between nostalgia and polish.

Story

The Queendom of Falena stands at a crossroads. Queen Arshtat’s use of the Sun Rune to quell the Lordlake rebellion has left the once-kind ruler mentally unstable and Lordlake’s fields scorched to ash. This opening act sets a tone of political intrigue and moral ambiguity that resonates throughout the game’s forty-plus hour narrative.

Amid this chaos, the Sacred Games—a traditional tournament granting the victor the right to marry Princess Lymsleia—become a tool for warring noble houses. When one faction seizes the royal castle and takes Lymsleia hostage, the prince of Falena narrowly escapes with a handful of loyalists. From there, the story unfolds as a classic quest to liberate the realm: you’ll rally old friends, broker alliances with neighboring states, and infiltrate enemy fortresses to restore rightful rule.

Recruiting the full complement of 108 characters enriches the narrative tapestry with personal side stories that range from heartfelt reunions to lighthearted comic relief. The interplay between large-scale political drama and intimate character moments ensures that Suikoden V’s story feels both grand in scope and deeply personal. Fans of JRPG storytelling will appreciate the pacing and the way key revelations are seeded throughout the journey.

Overall Experience

Suikoden V is a masterclass in combining classic JRPG elements with fresh tactical systems. The tripartite combat structure—duels, party battles, and army engagements—keeps encounters varied, while the depth of the castle hub and the lure of recruiting every Star create compelling long-term objectives. You’ll find yourself eagerly exploring every corner of Falena in search of hidden characters and optional challenges.

The soundtrack, composed by Norikazu Miura and Hitoshi Sakimoto, underscores each mood perfectly, from triumphant orchestral themes in major battles to somber piano motifs during moments of tragedy. Sparse voice clips in critical scenes heighten dramatic impact without ever overwhelming the classic RPG experience.

Minor drawbacks include occasional pacing lulls between major story beats and a learning curve for the RTS elements that may deter genre newcomers. However, the handful of slow stretches is more than offset by the game’s strategic depth, emotional narrative arcs, and the satisfying payoff of seeing your growing army march into battle.

Ultimately, Suikoden V stands as one of the PlayStation 2 era’s finest JRPGs. Its marriage of rich storytelling, robust gameplay systems, and evocative visuals offers a rewarding experience for both series veterans and newcomers seeking a sprawling, character-driven adventure.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10